Definition

Proper noun: - A cultural and religious holiday: St. Patrick's Day is an annual celebration held on March 17th, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland. It commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, and celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The city hosts a large parade every St. Patrick's Day.
  • Many people wear green clothing on St. Patrick's Day.
  • St. Patrick's Day is a public holiday in Ireland.

Advanced Usage

• "St. Paddy's Day": An informal, affectionate nickname for the holiday.
  • Are you going to the pub for St. Paddy's Day?
• "St. Patrick's Day celebrations": Refers to the various events and activities associated with the day.
  • The St. Patrick's Day celebrations include music, dancing, and feasting.

Variants and Related Words

• Saint Patrick's Day: The full, formal name of the holiday.
• March 17th: The calendar date on which the holiday is observed.

Synonyms

• Feast of Saint Patrick: A less common, more formal synonym emphasizing the religious aspect of the observance.

Related Phrases

• "the wearing of the green": A phrase associated with the tradition of wearing green items on this day.
  • On March 17th, you'll see everyone participating in the wearing of the green.
• "Erin go bragh": An anglicization of an Irish phrase meaning "Ireland forever," often heard on St. Patrick's Day.

Noun

1. a day observed by the Irish to commemorate the patron saint of Ireland